Efficacy of volumetric intensity modulated arc therapy (VMAT) combined with chemotherapy in anal squamous cell carcinoma

Abstract

Objective To investigate the efficacy of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) in the era of intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Methods A total of 19 patients with ASCC who underwent definitive radiotherapy in our hospital since 2011 were collected. The survival curves were depicted with K-M method. Risk factors of disease progression were analyzed using case-control study. Results The median follow-up time was 31 months. The 3 year-LFS and 3 year-OS were 88.1% and 91.7%, respectively. Grade 3 acute toxicities during the chemoradiotherapy were mainly white blood cell reduction (15.8%), platelet reduction (10.5%), diarrhea (15.8%), and skin reaction (31.6%). Compared with historical data, volumetric intensity modulated arc therapy was superior to conventional radiotherapy in the treatment outcome and normal tissue protection in ASCC. Univariate analysis showed that concurrent chemotherapy with capecitabine was a favorable factor in disease progression (P<0.05). Conclusions Volumetric intensity modulated arc therapy for ASCC may have advantages in terms of efficacy and normal tissue protection. Concurrent chemotherapy with a double-drug regimen containing capecitabine may be a beneficial factor in disease progression. Key words: Anal squamous cell carcinoma; Volumetric intensity modulated arc therapy; Concurrent chemotherapy; Efficacy; Toxicity